SAPS Kimberley Warns Motorists After R4 Million in Vehicle Thefts at Shopping Malls
- SAPS Kimberley issued an urgent warning after three high-value vehicles worth over R4 million were stolen from shopping mall parking lots in three days
- Police intelligence suggests a male and female suspect are using signal-jamming devices to prevent remote locking systems from engaging
- The thefts coincide with a major influx of visitors to Kimberley for the Yonder Hartsfees festival and the Currie Cup semi-final at Suzuki Stadium
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NORTHERN CAPE — The South African Police Service in Kimberley has issued an urgent public warning after a string of high-value vehicle thefts at local shopping mall parking lots, with losses exceeding R4 million recorded over just three days.
A Toyota Land Cruiser was stolen on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, followed by a Ford Ranger Wildtrak and a Ford Raptor on Friday, 4 September 2026. Police intelligence points to a male and female suspect believed to be operating around shopping centres using signal-jamming technology that prevents remote locking systems from activating, leaving vehicles unlocked without the owner's knowledge.
Kimberley's busy weekend raised the stakes
The timing of the thefts is significant. Kimberley drew a large number of visitors over the same period for two major events: the Yonder Hartsfees festival and the Carling Currie Cup semi-final between the Suzuki Griquas and the Fidelity ADT Lions at Suzuki Stadium on Sunday, 6 September 2026. Police warned that crowded parking areas during busy events create ideal conditions for this type of crime.
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How motorists can protect their vehicles
SAPS strongly advised the public not to rely solely on indicator lights or audio cues when locking their vehicles remotely. Instead, motorists should physically test door handles after pressing the locking button to confirm the vehicle has secured.
Additional precautions recommended by police include keeping handbags, laptops, and electronic devices out of sight, ensuring windows are fully closed, and fitting supplementary security measures such as gear locks. Motorists were also cautioned never to leave a vehicle with its engine running while unattended, and to park in well-lit areas monitored by security cameras or personnel. If a remote fails to lock a vehicle, SAPS advised that the vehicle should not be left unattended under any circumstances.
Contact details for reporting suspicious activity
Anyone with information about the thefts or suspicious behaviour in the area is urged to contact Detective Warrant Officer Anthony Rheeder at the Kimberley Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit on 083 538 3520. Anonymous tip-offs can be submitted via Crime Stop on 08600 10111, while emergencies should be directed to the SAPS line at 10111 or through the MySAPS App.
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Source: Briefly News
